Yet again Alton’s 1st XV were playing one of the league’s leading clubs. Millbrook who, although lying in third place, have the best scoring record, averaging 44 points per match!

The final score doesn’t reflect Alton’s contribution to this match which was played under ever-blackening storm clouds with a blustery wind blowing across the pitch but fortunately the rain never arrived!  The first thirty minutes was equally contested with Alton surprising the home team with the tenacity and skill of their game, particularly the forwards in the loose. Millbrook took the lead after five minutes when Alton were penalised for offside, but within two minutes the visitors were back on level terms when their scrumhalf, Mark Heffernan, with a very flat kick accepted a penalty from the referee. Unfortunately though, he missed a second a few minutes later.

Millbrook then demonstrated the skills of their back division when the winger finished off a flowing move from their own half.  Their kicker, who otherwise had a near perfect afternoon in the blustery conditions, was defeated by the length of the conversion attempt.

Alton’s forwards took control with short passing and changes of direction allowing prop John Happel to crash over next to the posts, Heffernan collected the two additional points to put Alton 8 – 10 up.  A mistake in defence following the re-start led to a scrum ten yards out, the bigger home pack forced their way over to regain the lead at 13 – 10.

Although Millbrook tried to get their backs working again they were foiled by Alton getting up quickly in defence and forcing errors. However, thirty minutes into the game the home side scored a converted try through their prop, following a good exhibition of driving rugby. Millbrook followed up with a further seven points this time through the backs.

Alton though would have the final effect on the score board in the first half with another Heffernan penalty taking the score at half-time to 27 - 13.

In the first half hour of the second half Millbrook took to their heels running in four converted tries, although Alton defended stoutly. However Alton had almost all the possession in the last ten minutes and were rewarded with the final score of the game when Adam Hoxey cut back inside to take the final score to 55 -18.

Matchday Referee James Alder (HRURS)

As in the last few matches there was a definite improvement by the Alton team this week. Some of the support play in the forwards was very good and the backs were prepared at all times to run at their opposition.  Although Alton do not have a game next week, better ball retention and defence should give them the opportunity to win at least one, if not both, of their last two league matches, to avoid being in a position of possible relegation. The first game is at home on 4^th April to Bognor and the final game is away to Isle of Wight on 12^th April.